Dangers of DIY Detoxing
28/08/2011
Untreated patients going through alcohol withdrawal are at risk of seizures or death.
DIY or home detoxes claim to be supervised but in reality they are managed by remote support, the better ones provide a brief check in with clients once a day.
The truth is that if someone requires a medicated withdrawal or clinical detox then the starting point is to look at an inpatient or residential treatment. Only if there are strong personal reasons in favour of a home detox should that route be followed.
When it comes to weighing up the pro’s and con’s, simply a preference to be at home versus the risks of sudden seizures the clinical supervision should be given significant weight. No specialist alcohol advisor would suggest a home detox without first carrying out a full dependency assessment, ; no more than a doctor would suggest DIY surgery. Following assessment patients are consulted to help them choose the treatment option and location that is right for their clinical needs.
Home detoxes also place a huge burden on family and friends who have to do the job of the medical team. This can be stressful, dangerous and unpleasant. John Cornwell, has written a painfully honest account of what a home detox can be like. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article4861010.ece
